Detroit’s head coach acknowledges the need for a strategic shift that appears likely to impact the young running back’s workload moving forward.
The Detroit Lions answered fan demands by featuring star running back Jahmyr Gibbs as the unquestioned lead option in their backfield. Yet, the outcome has been less than stellar so far, as his trademark explosiveness and elite efficiency have naturally declined with heavier usage.
Meanwhile, while Gibbs adjusts to his expanded duties, David Montgomery continues thriving despite seeing fewer touches. His success has been so notable that Lions head coach Dan Campbell hinted at another reconfiguration of the Gibbs-Montgomery dynamic duo — affectionately known as Sonic and Knuckles.
Campbell is known for his blunt honesty. He’s among the NFL’s most transparent coaches when dealing with reporters. So, his latest remarks expressing a desire to boost Montgomery’s role carry extra weight and send a clear signal to Gibbs about where things stand.
Dan Campbell delivers direct message to Jahmyr Gibbs amid David Montgomery praise
True to form, Campbell spoke candidly during his press conference ahead of Detroit’s Week 7 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He admitted that the workload “has been a little more tilted toward [Gibbs],” but made it clear he wants to adjust that balance.
“I’d like to even [Gibbs and Montgomery] out,” Campbell said to the media. “I’d like to get David a few more [opportunities], find a way to give him some extra looks.”
There’s no mistaking Campbell’s intent—he wants Montgomery to see more action. The Lions’ head coach also revealed that they planned to make that adjustment during their 30-17 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, the game script unraveled, forcing Detroit to rely more heavily on Gibbs, who remains one of the league’s top receiving backs.
“We were hoping we could do that in the second half [against the Chiefs],” Campbell explained when asked about expanding Montgomery’s touches. “… but the way the game unfolded … we ended up in fourth-and-longs, which limited the runs and play-action, and the flow changed from there.”
Expect Gibbs and Montgomery to shift back into more of a 1A-1B arrangement, rather than the clear first-and-second option we’ve seen through 2025. The advantage Gibbs built over the past two seasons to cement himself ahead of Montgomery seems to have evaporated.
While Gibbs hasn’t underperformed — his per-carry and success rate remain above average — Montgomery’s overall impact has simply been greater. Still, with championship aspirations on the line, the difference between good and great often comes down to razor-thin margins.
